Lidded container

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to a hinged container for packaging a variety of products. There is a base section having a plurality of side walls and a base. Hingedly attached to an upper surface of one sidewall is an upper section having a cross section similar to the cross section of the base section. An over lid is placed over the upper section. As the over lid is raised a portion of the interior of the over lid contacts at least one side wall of the upper section causing the upper section to open about the hinged connection with the base section.

[0001] This is a conversion of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/367,739 filed Mar. 27, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to improvements in the field of containers and in particular lidded containers for packaging a large variety of products. The containers of the present invention may be used to package loose product, i.e., individual product items or it may be used as a second or outer package or shell for a package already containing product or intended to contain product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There are many types of packaging that are currently available. Depending on the product and other considerations such as shipping, advertising and promotion and other factors the packaging may be made of a flexible material or have a more rigid construction. The flexible material may be made of one or more flexible sheets that are selected for their properties. These properties may include oxygen or water vapor barriers and other considerations. More rigid containers may be used where the product needs to be protected such as during shipping, use or display. Rigid containers may be made of a variety of materials depending on cost, aesthetics and other factors.

[0004] There are many products today that are delicate that require a container that will protect the contents from damage. This damage can arise during shipment, during display at a store or during use. One example of a product that is frequently packaged in a protective container is cigarettes and other tobacco products. There are traditionally two types of cigarette packaging. The first is soft and the product contained therein can be subject to crushing. This structure has a foil material which may have a paper backing that is positioned in proximity to the product to be packaged. Over the foil layer is usually a paper containing layer that is provided with product information such as the product's logo and other pertinent information. Finally there may be a plastic layer over the paper layer to protect the paper layer. The plastic layer is preferably a polypropylene film. As noted above, one of the problems with the packaging of this type is the inability of the packaging material to protect the product from damage.

[0005] Another type of package that is frequently used in cigarette packaging is made from a paperboard material and is advertised as crush proof. This package will usually be provided with a foil containing layer adjacent the product. Over the container is placed the plastic sheet that is usually a polypropylene. The container is provided with a flip top lid that may be raised to access the product contained therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to an improved container that is preferably rigid. In one embodiment, the package is a container having generally rigid side walls. The term rigid as used herein is intended to distinguish the container from a bag or sack having flexible sides that do not readily retain their shape. The wall of the rigid container, however, may be flexible, i.e., bendable. Although there are many configurations possible for the packages of the present invention, the container will preferably have a base portion and one or more sidewalls extending from the base, usually upwardly. The container is provided with an opening for using or dispensing the product. The present invention is for an improved package or shell for protecting product. In addition, the present invention is directed to a package having generally rigid side walls that has a unique lid raising mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a view of the container of the present invention in its unassembled form.

[0008]FIG. 2 is a view of the lid of the present invention in its unassembled form.

[0009]FIG. 3 is a perspective isometric view of the body and lid of a representative example of the container of the present invention where the lid and container are separated from each other, i.e., in un assembled form.

[0010]FIG. 4 is a perspective isometric view of the body and lid of a representative example of the container of the present invention where the tabs of the container and lid of FIG. 1 are folded for assembly as a unitary structure.

[0011]FIG. 5 is a perspective isometric view of the body and lid of a representative example of the container of the present invention where the lid and the container are assembled and the lid is in a closed position over the container.

[0012]FIG. 6 is a perspective isometric view of the body and lid of a representative example of the container of the present invention where the lid is slid upwardly to a slightly raised position over the container for opening.

[0013]FIG. 7 is a perspective isometric view of the body and lid of a representative example of the container of the present invention where the lid is hingedly open off the container.

[0014]FIG. 8 is a perspective isometric view of an alternative construction for the lid and container of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 9 is an alternate embodiment of the lid of FIG. 2.

[0016]FIG. 10 is an alternate embodiment of the base of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017]FIG. 1 shows a representative blank 10 that may be formed into the container of the present invention. This blank may be made of any suitable rigid material and may preferably be a paperboard sheet, a plastic sheet or a composite of the two. In one embodiment, the blank may be made up of a plurality of flexible sheets that have been laminated together to form a rigid sheet. The flexible sheets may include a barrier layer of polyvinylidene chloride an ethylene vinyl alcohol or other suitable barrier material as are well known in the art. The barrier layer usually has one or more additional layers on either side of the barrier layer. These layers may be made of a thermoplastic material such as a polyethylene or other material that may be extruded with the barrier material. There may also be an adhesive layer between the barrier layer and the thermoplastic layer. The thermoplastic layer is usually present because it is made of a material that may be heat sealed to itself or a similar material.

[0018] As seen in FIG. 1, the container of the present invention has a blank 10 that has a first wall 11 and a second wall 12 as well as a first side wall 13 and a second side wall 14. While the walls of the container are shown as rectangles, it will be appreciated that other shapes are possible. The blank is a sheet material usually a paper or plastic or combinations thereof of sufficient thickness so that it can be used, for example as a package or storage for products.

[0019] First wall 11 is separated from first side wall 13 by score line 15. Similarly, first wall 11 is separated from second side wall 14 by score line 16. Score line 17 separates second wall 12 from second side wall 14. Score line 18 separates second wall 12 from connection tab 19. In forming the container of the present invention connection tab 19 is adhered to a surface of the first side wall 13 forming a four sided, generally rectangular container. The bottom of the container 10 may be formed from first bottom tab 20 and second bottom tab 21. First bottom tab 20 is separated from first wall 11 by score line 22. Second bottom tab 21 is separated from second wall 12 by score line 23. One bottom tab is folded over onto the other bottom tab and secured together by a suitable means to form the bottom of the container. If desired wings may extend from the sides 20A and 20B of the bottom tab 20. Alternatively, the wings may extend from the sides 21A and 21B of bottom tab 21. The wings may be used to form a better seal at the bottom of the container if desired.

[0020] Extending from the second wall 12 is first lid connecting tab 25. First lid connecting tab 25 is separated from the second wall 12 by score line 24. On the side of the first lid connecting tab 25 opposite score line 24 is score line 26 that connects first lid connecting tab 25 to second lid connecting tab 27. Second lid connecting tab 27 has a first wing 28 and a second wing 29 opposite the first wing 28. The first wing 28 is separated from the second lid connecting tab 27 by score line 30. The second wing 29 is separated from the second lid connecting tab 27 by score line 31.

[0021]FIG. 2 depicts a representative blank that may be used for forming the lid of the present invention. The blank is a sheet material usually a paper or plastic. The blank may be made from the same material as blank 10 or from a different material. The lid 101 has a first lid face 102 and a second lid face 103. The first and second lid faces are separated by a lid sidewall 104. Between first lid face 102 and lid side wall 104 is score line 105. Score line 106 separates second lid face 103 from lid side wall 104. Extending from the first lid face 102 on the side opposite side wall 104 is tab 107. Tab 107 and first lid face 102 are separated by score line 108. Extending from the second lid face 103 on the side opposite side wall 104 is tab 109. Tab 109 and second lid face 103 are separated by score line 110.

[0022] The top of the lid may be formed by first top tab 111 and second top tab 112. The first top tab 111 extends from the first lid face 102. Separating first lid face 102 and first top tab 111 is score line 113. The second top tab 112 extends from the second lid face 103. Separating second lid face 103 and second top tab 112 is score line 114. On the side of the second lid face 103 opposite from the second top tab 112 is wing 115. Wing 155 and the second lid face 103 are separated by score line 116.

[0023] The blanks 10 and 101 may be folded to form the container and the lid as seen in FIG. 3. The container of FIG. 3 has a base 20, a front wall 11, a rear wall 12 and a pair of side walls 13 and 14. The side of the container opposite the base is open to permit placement of product or other items to be packaged in the container. Extending upwardly from the rear wall is a first lid connecting tab 25 and a second lid connecting tab 27. The lid has a top surface, a front lid wall and a rear lid wall. The front and rear lid walls are separated by a pair of side walls. Extending from the front lid wall is a tab 115.

[0024]FIG. 4 depicts the container of FIG. 3 where the first lid connecting tab is generally an extension of the rear wall of the container. The second lid connecting tab is transverse to the first lid connecting tab and generally parallel to the base 20 of the container. The first wing 28 and the second wing 29 may be folded so that they are in generally the same plane as the side walls 13 and 14 of the container. Thus, an opening is formed by an edge of the first and second wings, an edge of the second lid connecting tab 27 and the top edge of the front wall of the container. In the lid as shown in FIG. 4 the top of the lid is formed by first top tab 111 and second top tab 112. The first top tab 111 extends from the first lid face 102. Separating first lid face 102 and first top tab 111 is score line 113. The second top tab 112 extends from the second lid face 103. Separating second lid face 103 and second top tab 112 is score line 114. On the side of the second lid face 103 opposite from the second top tab 112 is wing 115 which is folded inwardly of the second lid face 103.

[0025] In FIG. 5, the lid is positioned over the container opening so that the container is in a closed configuration. As seen in FIG. 6, the lid is still in position over the container and has been raised in preparation for opening the container. In opening the container, the tab 115 contacts the second connecting tab 27. As the lid is raised and moved upwardly off of the container, this contact of the tab 115 with the second connecting tab 27 lifts the second connecting tab 27 so that the tab 115 lifts the second connecting tab as the second connecting tab 27 rotates upwardly about first connecting tab 25. Similarly, as the second connecting tab 27 rotates, the first connecting tab 25 rotates about score line 24. This rotation of the first and second connecting tabs causes the lid to be lifted rearwardly from the container thus opening the container for use.

[0026] Although the container and lid have been shown generally rectangular in shape, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any configuration can be used. These alternative configurations can include square containers, round containers, and other polygonal shapes as desired. In another embodiment, there can be a third connecting tab extending from the second connecting tab 27 (not shown).

[0027]FIG. 8 shows a preferred embodiment of the container of the present invention which is particularly adapted for use as a container for cigarettes having a flip top lid.

[0028] The present invention is particularly applicable as an over case for a flip top cigarette package. The cigarette package may be placed in the container and the lid of the case of the invention is positioned over the top of the cigarette package. Flap 115 is folded under the front face of the top of the cigarette case so that as the top of the case of the present invention is lifted, the top of the cigarette package is raised thus providing access to the contents of the package. One of the advantages of the present invention is that as the lid must be lifted upwardly first before the lid may be rotated about the score line.

[0029] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 shows a representative blank that may be used for forming the lid of the present invention. The blank is a sheet material usually a paper or plastic. The lid 201 has a first lid face 202 and a second lid face 103. The first and second lid faces are separated by a lid sidewall 204. Between first lid face 202 and lid side wall 204 is score line 205. Score line 206 separates second lid face 203 from lid side wall 204. Extending from the first lid face 202 on the side opposite side wall 204 is tab 207. Tab 207 and first lid face 202 are separated by score line 208. Extending from the second lid face 203 on the side opposite side wall 204 is tab 209. Tab 209 and second lid face 203 are separated by score line 210. Tabs 209 and 207 contact each other and form a surface for applying an adhering means to form a four sided figure, usually rectangular in configuration.

[0030] The top of the lid may be formed by first top tab 211 and second top tab 212. The first top tab 211 extends from the first lid face 202. Separating first lid face 102 and first top tab 211 is score line 213. The second top tab 212 extends from the top tab 211. The first top tab folds about score line 213 to form a cover for the four sided lid. The second top tab is optional and may be used to better secure the first top tab in position and the second top tab folds about score line 214 and contacts the second lid face 203 in the area of edge 224. On lid side wall 204 there is a tab 225 that extends from the lid side wall at score line 218. Similarly, a second tab 226 extends from tab 207. When the lid is formed into a four sided structure with a top, the tabs 225 and 226 are folded inwardly about their score lines 218 and 219.

[0031] As seen in FIG. 10, the container of the present invention has a blank 40 that has a first wall 41 and a second wall 42 as well as a first side wall 43 and a second side wall 44. While the walls of the container are shown as rectangles, it will be appreciated that other shapes are possible. The blank is a sheet material usually a paper or plastic or combinations thereof of sufficient thickness so that it can be used, for example as a package or storage for products.

[0032] First wall 41 is separated from first side wall 43 by score line 45. Similarly, first wall 41 is separated from second side wall 44 by score line 46. Score line 77 separates second wall 42 from second side wall 44. Score line 48 separates second wall 42 from connection tab 49. In forming the container of the present invention connection tab 49 is adhered to a surface of the first side wall 43 forming a four sided, generally rectangular container. The bottom of the container 40 may be formed from first bottom tab 50 and second bottom tab 51. First bottom tab 50 is separated from first wall 41 by score line 52. Second bottom tab 51 is separated from second wall 42 by score line 53. One bottom tab is folded over onto the other bottom tab and secured together by a suitable means to form the bottom of the container. If desired wings may extend from the sides 50A and 50B of the bottom tab 50. Alternatively, the wings may extend from the sides 51A and 51B of bottom tab 51. The wings may be used to form a better seal at the bottom of the container if desired.

[0033] Extending from the second wall 42 is first lid connecting tab 55. First lid connecting tab 55 is separated from the second wall 42 by score line 54. On the side of the first lid connecting tab 55 opposite score line 54 is score line 56 that connects first lid connecting tab 55 to second lid connecting tab 57. Second lid connecting tab 57 has a wing 58 extending from the second lid connecting tab 57. The wing 58 is separated from the second lid connecting tab 27 by score line 60.

[0034] Extending from connecting tab 55 is a first sidewall 61 and a second sidewall 62. Sidewall 61 is separated from connecting tab 55 by a score line 63. Sidewall 62 is separated from connecting tab 55 by score line 64. Both sidewall 61 and sidewall 62 are provided with a arcuate tab 65 and 66. These tabs are cut into the stock of the substrate but the material is not removed. Extending from sidewall 62 is connecting tab 67. This connecting tab is only secured to the substrate by score line 68. There is no connection between the connecting tab 67 and the first wall 41. Similarly, there is no connection between the sidewall 62 and the wall 44 and the sidewall 61 and the wall 49. Joining tab 68 extends from connecting tab 67 and is joined by score line 69.

[0035] The blank of FIG. 10 is formed by forming a generally rectangular base section by securing tabs 43 and 49. The bottom of the base section may be formed by either one or both of bottom tabs 51 or 52. Where either bottom tab 51 is used as the bottom of the base section, the tab 51 or 52 has a longer length and a tuck section or wing not shown to permit the tab to be removably secured to the base section. Tab sections 55 and 67 form a upper hinged rectangular portion over the base section. Tab 57 forms, a cover over the upper hinged rectangular portion. The lid is placed over the upper hinged rectangular portion so that tabs 65 and 66 interlock with tabs 225 and 226 so that the lid is retained on the upper hinged rectangular portion. In operation, the lid is raised so that the tabs 225 and 226 contact tabs 65 and 66. As the lid is raised further, the upper hinged rectangular portion raises to permit access to the interior of the package. 

We claim:
 1. A container having a lid comprising a first blank that has a first wall and a second wall as well as a first side wall and a second side wall, said first side wall being separated from said first wall by a first score line, said second side wall being between said first wall and said second wall, said first wall being separated from said first and second side walls by a second score line, said second wall being separated from said second side wall by a third score line, and wherein a fourth score line separates said second wall from a connection tab, said blank further having a first bottom tab and a second bottom tab said first bottom tab being separated said from first wall by a fifth score line and said second bottom tab being separated from second wall by a sixth score line, and extending from said second wall is a first lid connecting tab said first lid connecting tab being separated from said second wall by seventh score line said first lid connecting tab having on a side of the first lid connecting tab opposite said seventh score line an eighth score line that connects said first lid connecting tab to a second lid connecting tab, said second lid connecting tab having a first wing and a second wing opposite said first wing said first wing being separated from said second lid connecting tab by a ninth score line said second wing being separated from said second lid connecting tab by a tenth score line and wherein in forming the first blank into a container said connection tab is adapted to be adhered to a surface of said first side wall thereby forming a four sided, generally rectangular container and one bottom tab is folded over onto the other bottom tab and secured together by a suitable means to form the bottom of the container; and a second blank that may be used for forming a lid, said lid having a first lid face and a second lid face said first and second lid faces being separated by a lid sidewall and wherein between said first lid face and said lid side wall there is a first score line, a second score line separates said second lid face from said lid side wall, and extending from said first lid face on the side opposite said side wall is a first tab, said first tab and said first lid face being separated by a third score line and wherein extending from the second lid face on a side opposite said side wall is a second tab and wherein said second lid face and said second lid face are separated by a fourth score line, and wherein a first top tab extends from the first lid face and separating said first lid face from said first top tab is a fifth score line and a second top tab extends from said second lid face and separating said second lid face and said second top tab is a sixth score line and on a side of said second lid face opposite from said second top tab is a wing said wing and said second lid face being separated by seventh score line; and wherein said first and second blanks may be folded to form a container and a lid, said container having a base, a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of side walls, a side of the container opposite said base being open to permit placement of product into the container and wherein said first lid connecting tab and said second lid connecting tab extend upwardly from the rear wall of said container, said lid forming a top surface, a front lid wall and a rear lid wall a pair of side walls and wherein said front lid wall has said wing extending from said front lid wall and wherein in opening the lid, said lid is adapted to be raised upwardly from said container and said wing contacts said second connecting tab and as the lid is raised and moved upwardly off of the container, this contact of the wing with the second connecting tab lifts the second connecting tab and as the second connecting tab rotates upwardly about first connecting tab, the first connecting tab rotates about said seventh score line, this rotation of the first and second connecting tabs causing the lid to be lifted rearwardly from the container thus opening the container for use.
 2. A blank for making a container comprising a first wall and a second wall as well as a first side wall and a second side wall, said first side wall being separated from said first wall by a first score line, said second side wall being between said first wall and said second wall, said first wall being separated from said first and second side walls by a second score line, said second wall being separated from said second side wall by a third score line, and wherein a fourth score line separates said second wall from a connection tab, said blank further having a first bottom tab and a second bottom tab said first bottom tab being separated said from first wall by a fifth score line and said second bottom tab being separated from second wall by a sixth score line, and extending from said second wall is a first lid connecting tab said first lid connecting tab being separated from said second wall by seventh score fine said first lid connecting tab having on a side of the first lid connecting tab opposite said seventh score line an eighth score line that connects said first lid connecting tab to a second lid connecting tab, said second lid connecting tab having a first wing and a second wing opposite said first wing said first wing being separated from said second lid connecting tab by a ninth score line said second wing being separated from said second lid connecting tab by a tenth score line and wherein in forming the first blank into a container said connection tab is adapted to be adhered to a surface of said first side wall thereby forming a four sided, generally rectangular container and one bottom tab is folded over onto the other bottom tab and secured together by a suitable means to form the bottom of the container.
 3. A blank for making a lid for a container comprising a first lid face and a second lid face said first and second lid faces being separated by a lid sidewall and wherein between said first lid face and said lid side wall there is a first score line, a second score line separates said second lid face from said lid side wall, and extending from said first lid face on the side opposite said side wall is a first tab, said first tab and said first lid face being separated by a third score line and wherein extending from the second lid face on a side opposite said side wall is a second tab and wherein said second lid face and said second lid face are separated by a fourth score line, and wherein a first top tab extends from the first lid face and separating said first lid face from said first top tab is a fifth score line and a second top tab extends from said second lid face and separating said second lid face and said second top tab is a sixth score line and on a side of said second lid face opposite from said second top tab is a wing said wing and said second lid face being separated by seventh score line.
 4. The container according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said blanks is a sheet of paperboard. 5 The container according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said blanks is a sheet of a plastic material.
 6. The container according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said blanks is a sheet comprising a layer of a barrier material.
 7. The container according to claim 6 wherein said barrier is polyvinylidene chloride.
 8. The container according to claim 6 wherein said barrier is ethylene vinyl alcohol.
 9. The container according to claim 6 wherein there is at least one layer of a thermoplastic material over said barrier layer. 10 The container according to claim 9 wherein there is an adhesive between said barrier layer and said thermoplastic layer.
 11. The container according to claim 4 wherein said sheet further comprises a layer of a plastic material.
 12. The container according to claim 1 wherein there is a layer of foil on at least one of said blanks.
 13. The container according to claim 1 for packaging a tobacco product.
 14. The container according to claim 13 wherein said tobacco product is cigarettes. 